Heavy snow is the norm for Massachusetts and across New England during the winter, but it often leads to broken limbs, bent trees, and long-term damage.
When it comes to figuring out how to protect trees from snow, homeowners often ask, “Should I knock snow off trees or leave it alone?” This guide breaks down when it’s safe and smart to remove snow from trees in New England, and when it could do more harm than good.
When to Remove Snow from Tree Branches
Snow damage to trees includes branch breakage, cracks in tree trunks, and leaning or complete collapse. Knowing when to remove snow from tree branches can help you minimize damage to the trees in your yard.
Here are some examples of when you should remove snow from your tree:
- If the snow is light, fluffy, and easy to brush off
- If you have broadleaf evergreen trees, like boxwood, holly, or rhododendrons, where snow can weigh down and damage the foliage
- If you have young trees or small ornamentals. Heavy snow can deform branches or split the trunks of these delicate trees.
- If tree branches are bent, but not broken, or need extra support.
To remove snow from tree branches, use a broom or a soft brush to lift it off from the bottom up gently. Never shake frozen branches! Frozen branches are brittle and can easily break.
When NOT to Remove Snow
Despite the risk of snow damage to trees, there are some instances where removing snow from trees can be hazardous. Avoid these safety hazards:
- Heavy, wet snow or ice – Wet snow and ice are dense and can pack more weight onto branches, making them more likely to break.
- Tall trees – Climbing or using ladders in winter weather can be dangerous.
- Trees with known weak limbs – Disturbing weakened trees can trigger breakage.
- Already cracked or damaged branches – Wait for a certified arborist to conduct an assessment before taking action.
Snow vs. Ice: What’s the Bigger Threat to Trees in MA?
When it comes to ice and snow damage in trees in Massachusetts, is one more dangerous than the other? The answer is yes! Ice causes more catastrophic damage than snow. Since frozen limbs are so fragile, ice makes them break more easily, and tree trunks split or even fail, where light snow is more likely to fall off before it builds sufficient weight.
Ice storms in coastal and inland Massachusetts are more common than people realize. Preventative pruning to build proper canopy structure and remove hazard limbs can reduce safety risks.
How to Protect Trees from Snow in Massachusetts
Knowing how to protect trees from snow can help reduce safety concerns. Here are a few winter tree care tips to keep in mind before heavy snowfalls occur:
● Fall and Winter Pruning to remove weak or crossing branches
● Cabling or Bracing for split-prone trees
● Mulching to protect roots from freeze-thaw damage
● Proper Staking or Wrapping for young or upright trees or shrubs under overhangs where snow from the roof may result in increased snow loads.
What to Do If a Tree or Limb Breaks Under Snow Load
If a limb does break, don’t fret! Follow these steps to keep yourself and your home safe.
- Stay clear of hanging branches or leaning trees
- Don’t try to cut branches under tension. Limbs and branches can suddenly snap back and behave in unpredictable ways.
- Document damage for insurance if needed
- Contact a certified arborist for safe removal or inspection
Frequently Asked Questions
Eastern white pines, silver maples, red maple hybrids, willows, and poplars are susceptible to winter damage in New England. Eastern white pines have brittle branches that are easily broken by high winds and heavy snowfall. Silver maples and red maple hybrids have soft wood that can’t stand up to strong winds or heavy snow, along with shallow roots that increase the risk of toppling. Poplars are extremely fragile trees with limbs that can easily snap. Willows split easily in high winds or under heavy snow and ice, with shallow roots that make it prone to falling over.
Yes! If a tree’s roots are shallow, heavy snow or ice can cause it to fall over. A certified arborist can inspect the root plate for signs of concern.
Trees have adapted over time to deal with the environmental conditions in which they live. Some tree species, like birch, have naturally flexible wood that allows their branches to bend under the weight of snow and ice.
Yes, but be careful! Pruning with minimal exposed wounds is best for winter-damaged trees.
Hartney Greymont has ISA- and Massachusetts-certified arborists located in Needham, Concord, Danvers, Cape Cod, and the surrounding areas who have the expertise needed to safely inspect or work on your tree in the winter.
WINTERIZE YOUR SHRUBS BEFORE THE COLD SETS IN
